Former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall, who retired from strongman to become a boxer has now announced his foray into yet another sport. The former over-400 lbs man already had the bodybuilding world’s attention. Earlier this year, Hall announced his plans to compete in bodybuilding and cut down to 385 lbs. However, now he has announced he will step inside the octagon for a four-man eliminator MMA tournament on February 17, 2024.

After cutting down his body weight, the former boxer is looking to get back into combat sports. In his latest Instagram post, the former WSM winner disclosed the details of the upcoming tournament. He also tagged the three other men who will participate in the MMA spectacle.

The former strongman champion announced his plans

“Today I signed a contract to fight MMA!” announced the former strongman. The 35-year-old also tagged the three men who would participate in the tournament. “Training has begun and I’m loving the challenge this has brought to the table,”  wrote Hall. The Beast is looking forward to making his MMA debut and opening a new chapter in his multi-faceted sports career.

Hall tagged the reigning World’s Strongest man, Mitchell Hooper, One of the most decorated WSM champions, and Hall’s friend, Brian Shaw. However, Martyn Ford, the third man who The Beast tagged, doesn’t have a background in strongman. The announcement caused quite a stir and drew mixed relations from fans.

Watch this story | From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Chris Bumstead – Here Are the Top 5 Most Aesthetic Bodybuilders to Ever Compete in Mr. Olympia

The internet has mixed reactions

Since Eddie Hall has delved into multiple sports, fans from different sports reacted to Hall’s announcement. Man fans reacted positively and wrote about their excitement. “Strong man to MMA man is a trend that I am glad I am not missing,” wrote one fan. Another MMA wrote how hard it would be to submit The Beast. “You can’t even choke Eddie from behind… God have you a huge freaking neck,” he wrote.

However, many were also on the fence with Hall’s move. “Hope you aren’t as stubborn this time. Learn from the trainers! You could’ve won the boxing match with Thor if you had an open mind to learn. Don’t make the same mistake twice. Brian won’t,” wrote one fan. Others pointed out that despite cutting down to 385 lbs, Hall left his bodybuilding goals. “Failed log press WR, failed bench press 700lbs, failed boxing, gave up on bodybuilding… ffs,” one fan wrote. “What happened to bodybuilding? No hate just genuinely curious,” questioned a fan.

While Eddie Hall expressed his excitement to venture into MMA, his fans had mixed feelings about the athlete. Bodybuilding fans who were excited to see Hall compete on stage were especially disappointed as the 35-year-old abandoned his weight cut for an MMA tournament.

Read More | “Bro Can Push Earth Away From Asteroids”: Former World Strongest Man Blows Up the Internet With His Insane 507 Lbs Overhead Log Press